ATA-Certified Medical Translator in Chicago
ATA-Certified Medical Translator in Chicago
EnGLISH TO SPANISH medical translation by a physician with 15+ years of clinical and academic experience.
Why a Medical Degree Makes a Difference in Translation
Most translators specialize in language. I specialize in medicine first. As a physician who trained and practiced in two countries, I understand the clinical meaning behind the words, not just their dictionary equivalents.
That distinction matters when the source document is a patient record, a clinical trial protocol, or a diagnostic report. A mistranslation is not a stylistic problem; it is a clinical one.
I am based in Chicago, hold an MD, and am certified by the American Translators Association (ATA) in English into Spanish. I work primarily in medical and healthcare contexts.
Translation Services
I translate documents for individuals, healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and legal teams. Common document types include:
Medical records and patient charts
Hospital discharge summaries
Diagnostic test results and imaging reports
Pharmaceutical documentation
Medical correspondence and referral letters
USCIS and immigration medical documents
All translations are delivered with a signed ATA-compliant certificate of accuracy. Documents intended for government, legal, or immigration purposes include a statement certifying the translator's qualifications
Who I Work With
My clients in Chicago and across Illinois include:
Individuals who need certified translation of personal medical records — for insurance claims, legal proceedings, or immigration applications
Hospitals and health systems translating patient-facing materials for Spanish-speaking populations
Law firms requiring certified translation of medical records for personal injury or malpractice cases
Pharmaceutical companies and CROs needing translation of clinical documents
If you are unsure whether your document falls within my scope, contact me and I will let you know within one business day.
My Qualifications
MD
15+ years of medical writing and translation experience across clinical, academic, and regulatory contexts
Therapeutic areas: mental health, neurology, psychiatry, cardiovascular disease, internal medicine
Member: American Medical Writers Association (AMWA), American Translators Association (ATA), Chicago Area Translators and Interpreters Association (CHICATA)
My Approach
Every translation starts with a read-through of the entire document before a single word is translated. That first pass is diagnostic: I identify ambiguous terminology, assess the clinical context, and flag anything that requires clarification from the source.
I do not use machine translation with post-editing for certified documents. My translations are completed by hand, reviewed against the source, and delivered with a certificate of accuracy.
Turnaround time for standard documents (under 1,000 words) is typically 2–3 business days. Urgent requests can often be accommodated — contact me to discuss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ATA certification, and why does it matter?
ATA certification is a credential granted by the American Translators Association after passing a rigorous proctored examination. It is one of the few standardized benchmarks for translator competency in the United States. Many courts, government agencies, and healthcare institutions specifically request ATA-certified translators for official documents.
Can you translate documents for immigration purposes (USCIS)?
Yes. USCIS requires that all translations submitted with immigration applications be accompanied by a certification statement from a competent translator. My translations include this statement along with my ATA credentials. I routinely translate birth certificates, vaccination records, and medical reports for immigration cases.
Do you offer certified translation of medical records for legal cases?
Yes. I work with law firms and legal teams on medical record translation for personal injury, medical malpractice, and workers' compensation cases. I can also provide a sworn translator statement if required by the court.
What languages do you translate?
I translate English into Spanish. My Spanish covers Latin American variants (Mexican, Colombian, Puerto Rican, Central American) and Castilian Spanish. This matters for medical documents, where regional terminology can vary significantly.
How much does certified medical translation cost?
Rates are based on word count and document complexity. Standard medical records are priced per source word. I provide a written quote before beginning any project. Contact me with your document type and word count for a same-day estimate.
Are my medical records kept confidential?
Yes. I handle all documents under a strict confidentiality policy. I do not share, store, or use client documents beyond the scope of the translation project. A mutual non-disclosure agreement is available on request for institutional clients.
Chicago Location
I am based in Chicago, Illinois, and serve clients across the Chicago metropolitan area and throughout Illinois. I work remotely with clients nationwide — all documents are transmitted securely.
Get a Quote
Send me the document type, approximate word count, and your deadline. I will respond within one business day with a quote and timeline.
Contact: nestor@zumaya.com